montanasoybean Loc: Montana

I was out taking pictures of our southern gospel quartet and (you won't believe it could happen in Montana) a wind gust came up and my 7d with the 28-300 lens tipped over before I could stop it. I guess that is another reason I use a filter - sacrificial lens. What is a good medium entry tripod? What can you get for couple of hundred bucks? Also to avoid running back and forth, any recommendations on a remote?

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

First you want to make sure whatever triop you purchase has a weight rating to hold your heavest camera/lens combo plus a hook to hang a counter weight would be a wise move (I hang my camera bag with extra lens from the hook).

I use a Manfrotto 055XB Tripod with a ball head, supports about 15lbs of equipment. My lens/camera combo is no where near this weight, but I firmly believe in investing for the future and buying the best I can afford at the moment.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

This question is repeated every week on UHH.

Much as I hate to disagree with MWAC, I'd say that load-bearing capacity doesn't matter much. Most tripods can carry far more weight than most people are ever going to put on them. The important thing is 'deadness' or vibration resistance. If you're willing to risk a whole $2.99, you might care to look at 'tripods' at the bottom of http://www.rogerandfrances.com/e-books.html (you can download a summary for free from the same place). Some who've bought it say that it's saved them well above the purchase price. To go straight to it (free), click on this link: http://www.rogerandfrances.com/taster/Tripods%20Taster.pdf

Cheers,

R.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nothing beats the sturdiness of a heavy tripod here in our often windy conditions. In lieu of that, a weight of some sort hung from the center post of your tripod as MWAC suggests is a good idea. I personally use a Manfrotto 058B for my wildlife shooting, at least when I don't have to carry it very far, it weighs in at 20 pounds with my Gimbal head on it. But I feel it is worth it when I have 20 pounds of camera and an 800mm lens on top of it. I have seen the wind blow over nice carbon fiber tripods (unweighted) because they get VERY top heavy very quickly. Its also a very good idea to widen the stance of your tripod when you can, a larger footprint makes for a more stable shooting platform.

jdeanb Loc: Texas / central

I agree with M T get one that you can widen the stance. Makes them much more stable and there is no sub for weight. Yes weight can be a pain but no pain like seeing a nice camera and lens crashed on a rock. No substitute for quality.

montanasoybean Loc: Montana

Sorry if this question had been asked before. Being in Ag, this is a pretty busy time of the year and I don't get to come to UHH very often. I just knew I would get some great advise. Thanks everyone.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

If it's that windy - as suggested above, hang a weight on the center post - - OR - - you could nail the tripod feet down with tent stakes.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I completely agree with this. I have the Manfrotto model below this one and wish I had this one now. I've got to be careful not to overload my tripod or the same thing that happened the OP might happen to me.